The 5 Best Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Cards

This wiki has been updated 4 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Originally developed by Intel, Thunderbolt 3 is one of the most impressive features of the relatively new USB type C format. It delivers a theoretical maximum of 40 gigabits per second using the PCI-express bus and enables lightning-fast transfers between PCs, peripherals and expansion hubs. The right add-in card will allow supported motherboards to take advantage of this cutting-edge technology.
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This wiki has been updated 4 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Originally developed by Intel, Thunderbolt 3 is one of the most impressive features of the relatively new USB type C format. It delivers a theoretical maximum of 40 gigabits per second using the PCI-express bus and enables lightning-fast transfers between PCs, peripherals and expansion hubs. The right add-in card will allow supported motherboards to take advantage of this cutting-edge technology.
When users buy our independently chosen editorial
choices,
we may earn commissions to
help fund the Wiki.
Skip to the best thunderbolt 3 pcie card on Amazon.

5. Sonnet SEL

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

From a group responsible for some of the most popular external GPU adapters, the Sonnet SEL is designed specifically for their 3-port expansion box. It's exclusively intended to upgrade systems that already use Thunderbolt 2.

4. Gigabyte Alpine Ridge

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

As long as your mainboard has the proper headers, the Gigabyte Alpine Ridge can help you take advantage of this new protocol's ridiculously high bandwidth. It is certified by Intel, though it may or may not play nicely with Mac OS.

3. AsRock AIC

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

Sporting one of the smallest form factors of any on the market, the AsRock AIC can fit in cramped cases where others may not. In addition to its dual type C ports, it features regular and mini DisplayPort inputs, and is supported by a range of Intel-based systems.

2. Asus ThunderboltEX 3

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

In addition to a full, 40-gigabit-per-second throughput when used with the proper motherboard, the Asus ThunderboltEX 3 is totally compatible with 2nd-generation USB 3.1 devices, and even lets Windows PCs use LG's high-end UltraFine displays.

1. Gigabyte Titan Ridge

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

One of the most well-engineered add-in boards you'll find, the Gigabyte Titan Ridge can get surprisingly close to the almost unheard-of 40-Gbps maximum. It may take a bit of extra work, but it's even been reported compatible with AMD Threadripper chipsets.

Editor's Notes

February 11, 2019:

Thunderbolt 3 is one of the most interesting up-and-coming connectivity protocols; its blistering top speed enables all kinds of fancy advancements, not least of which the plug-and-play use of high-powered, external GPUs. The current king of add-in cards is without a doubt the Titan Ridge; the nerdiest among us have even confirmed that it will work with some AMD chipsets, given enough tweaking. The Alpine ridge, its older model, is a reasonable choice if your motherboard has the right headers, and all you want it for is quick data transfer. It's also available at less than half the price of the leader. Sonnet's add-in board is designed to turn a TB2 system into a TB3 powerhouse, so keep in mind its somewhat limited compatibility. The Asus is a good mid-range choice, and provides decent charging abilities, while the AsRock may be the easiest to install, but it's been reported to not be quite as fast as the top choice.

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Last updated on February 12, 2019
by multiple members of the ezvid wiki
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